S6, Ep 91: Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash chats with Steve Maldonado, also known by his aliases Skeeter or Jonny Lunchmeat. They delve into Steve’s journey from his sparkle boat days to his immersion in fly fishing, with a special focus on tying predator flies. Steve shares his earliest fishing memories, his competitive bass fishing experiences and how a move to Colorado shifted his focus to fly fishing. He also discusses the influential mentors who have shaped his fly tying skills and his passion for chasing tarpon and big browns on the fly. Steve provides valuable insights into his fly design philosophy, particularly for predator flies, and offers practical tips for aspiring fly designers. He emphasizes the importance of thread pressure, consistent tying techniques and the significance of the retrieve in effectively fishing a fly. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fly fishing, this episode is packed with useful advice and engaging stories from Steve's fishing adventures. Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. All Things Social Media Follow Steve on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Support the Show Shop on Amazon Become a Patreon Patron Subscribe to the Podcast Subscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice. Advertise on the Podcast Is our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us. In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck? Check out our consulting options! Helpful Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:17 The Sparkle Boat Days 06:25 The Fly Fishing Itch 09:03 Mentorship in Fly Fishing 13:47 Favorite Rivers in Colorado 16:33 Tying Techniques and Tools 19:47 Predator Fly Design Philosophy 25:35 The Jungle Junkie 31:21 Umpqua Selection Process 33:14 Tips for Aspiring Fly Designers 36:23 Tips for Handling Hair 39:16 Experimenting with New Materials 43:11 Upcoming Travel and Hosted Trips 48:59 Custom Fly Orders